When I saw his first summer league games... I thought he was the worst NBA prospect I had ever seen. I thought the Blazers were making a mistake keeping him over Kopenen who played much better. I also didn't think Batum would ever see a minute in the NBA. Boy was I wrong. He looks pretty smooth when away from the guard dominated summer league. Sometimes it is good to be wrong.
very impressed with his touch and his body (no homo). he's going to be very ripped next season and I think he could be an AWESOME addition to this team.....great defense, and is coherent on offense. Very excited and now see what the hype was about this kid.
Some players just seem to "get it" on the court... a half-step quicker without the ball, especially on defense. Even in summer league I thought I saw signs that Nic gets it. Last night is more evidence that he does, and his ceiling looks really high. Ed O.
Yeah, he looked very good- though I still wish we had Webster starting- his perimeter game fits a bit better, I think.
Nic seems to have the 'it' factor. He has an incredible feel for the game at only 19. He plays like a vet and plays within himself. His basketball IQ is very good on both ends of the court. His ceiling is high - A young Kirilenko.
Josh Smith is a great weakside shot blocker, he is not a good on-ball defender. Batum is more in the Prince/Kirilenko type of wings.
Batum's emergence as everything Travis is and More, and a healthy Webster mean that Outlaw's gone this year by the trade deadline... last year, I would have been sick at the thought; but this year, with Outlaw seemingly plateauing and Batum already a step faster on defense, I'm okay with Outlaw being a chip to deal with LaFrentz in a 2-for-1 deal. Nico is fast, knows where to go without the ball, knows how to pass, knows how to drive and shoot, can block shots and rebound... he's the entire package. I forget he's 19 when he's out there. Moreover, I don't have that dread I had when a younger Travis was out there a couple years ago.
Batum had a nice weak-side block! Thinking offensively and body-type wise.....he's going to be ripped up when he gets a bit older. I'm surprised his bulk now vs. when he was drafted/draft highlights. 19 years old, unbelieveable.
I don't see it that way, unless an upper echelon player becomes available at the PG spot. Outlaw still has a place on this team in the short and long run IMO. I think we're fine just to stay the course, we have a great balance and depth
